Oilers Eye Canucks' Trade Chips as Deadline Nears, Draisaitl Takes Leave
Saturday night’s matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks isn’t just another chapter in a long-standing west coast rivalry. It’s also a potential preview of what could be a trade partnership in the making, with the 2026 NHL trade deadline looming and both teams heading in very different directions.
The Oilers are once again in Stanley Cup-or-bust mode, while the Canucks have made it clear they’re pivoting toward a retool - or, depending on how you define it, a soft rebuild. After moving on from cornerstone players like J.T.
Miller (to the Rangers) and Quinn Hughes (to Minnesota), Vancouver has signaled they’re open for business. That’s music to the ears of contenders like Edmonton, who could use some reinforcements in their bottom six.
There were rumblings that Vancouver floated the idea of sending Evander Kane back to Edmonton, but the Oilers reportedly passed on that. Still, there’s reason to believe these two clubs could find common ground before the deadline. The Canucks have several intriguing trade chips - veterans on expiring deals, cost-effective depth players, and forwards who could slide into a playoff lineup without breaking the bank.
Let’s break down three names that could be of particular interest to Edmonton.
Drew O’Connor: A Reliable, Two-Way Option for the Bottom Six
Drew O’Connor might not be a household name, but he’s exactly the type of player playoff teams look for at the deadline. The 27-year-old winger came over from Pittsburgh last season and has carved out a solid role in Vancouver. He posted 14 goals and 12 assists in 78 games, and while those numbers won’t light up the scoreboard, it’s his all-around game that makes him valuable.
He’s been a steady penalty killer throughout his career, brings a heavy forecheck, and plays with the kind of defensive responsibility that coaches love in a third-line winger. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need the puck to be effective - a perfect fit alongside Edmonton’s high-end skill.
With one year left on his deal at a $2.5 million cap hit, O’Connor could be a savvy addition if the Oilers can make the money work. Whether he slots into the top nine or shores up the fourth line, he’s a plug-and-play option who can help right away.
Kiefer Sherwood: Physical, Productive, and Playoff-Ready
Kiefer Sherwood has taken the scenic route to becoming a legitimate middle-six NHL forward, but he’s arrived in a big way. Since signing with the Canucks as a free agent in 2024, the 30-year-old has emerged as a force - 63 points (36 goals, 27 assists) in 122 games, plus a staggering 672 hits. That’s not a typo.
Sherwood’s game is tailor-made for playoff hockey. He brings edge, energy, and just enough offense to make him more than just a grinder. Think of the kind of impact players like Sam Bennett or Matthew Tkachuk have had in Florida’s playoff runs - Sherwood isn’t on that level, but he plays a similar brand of hockey.
His $1.5 million cap hit makes him an attractive rental, and for a team like Edmonton that’s already seen success with a physical forward like Vasily Podkolzin, Sherwood could be a complementary piece to help wear teams down in a seven-game series.
Teddy Blueger: A Veteran Center Who Could Fill a Key Need
If there’s one area Edmonton could really use a boost, it’s depth down the middle. Enter Teddy Blueger. The 31-year-old has been limited to just two games this season due to injury, but he’s expected to suit up for Latvia at the upcoming Winter Olympics - a strong sign he’s nearing a return.
When healthy, Blueger is a dependable third-line center with a defensive mindset and enough offensive touch to chip in. He’s been through playoff battles with Pittsburgh and Vegas, and he understands the role of a bottom-six center in high-stakes games.
His $1.8 million cap hit is manageable, and if he’s healthy, he checks a lot of boxes for the Oilers: experience, defensive reliability, and versatility. He might not be a flashy addition, but he could be a quietly impactful one - especially if Edmonton wants to roll four lines in the postseason.
Draisaitl Takes Leave for Family Matter
Away from the trade talk, the Oilers will be without one of their biggest stars for at least a few games. Leon Draisaitl has taken a leave of absence to attend to a family illness in Germany. The team announced he’s expected to return sometime next week.
There are no further details at this time, and rightly so - family comes first. For now, the Oilers will have to find a way to manage without one of the league’s premier forwards. In the meantime, all thoughts are with Draisaitl and his family.
What’s Next?
As the trade deadline inches closer, the Oilers are firmly in buyer mode. Whether it’s O’Connor’s two-way play, Sherwood’s physical scoring, or Blueger’s veteran presence down the middle, Vancouver has pieces that could help Edmonton make another deep run.
The Canucks, on the other hand, are clearly reshaping their roster. And if they’re open for business, don’t be surprised if these two rivals find themselves not just clashing on the ice - but working together off it.